Manager, Brand Messaging and Content

University of Iowa • Iowa City, IA

14h • Hybrid

About The Position

The University of Iowa’s Office of Strategic Communication is seeking a strong writer and marketing leader to shape and apply a clear, consistent brand voice and guide messaging that moves people from interest to action.
In this role, you’ll work with a cross-functional team where writing is treated as strategic work. You’ll translate research, insights, and real outcomes into clear, audience-focused copy that helps people understand what matters and what to do next. From headlines and calls to action to page-level and campaign content, you’ll guide messaging across key moments that shape decisions and drive engagement.
This role requires strong judgment and collaboration in a large, complex organization. There is an expectation that the person in this position will maintain effective, civil, and respectful working relationships with the University of Iowa campus community and uphold the University’s commitment to creating welcoming and respectful environments for all.
This position is eligible for hybrid/remote work and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in English, Journalism, Marketing, Communications, Advertising, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in marketing writing/brand messaging with measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to operate as a strategic writer, representing and applying a brand’s voice and tone with authority, clarity, and consistency, and providing direction for key messaging across audiences and channels.
• Experience developing or applying messaging frameworks that clarify message hierarchy, audience priorities, and decision paths across channels.
• Demonstrated ability to use audience research and performance signals (SEO, analytics, testing) to inform messaging decisions and strengthen copy.
• Skilled at integrating stories, testimonials, and proof points to substantiate claims and build trust.
• Experience writing user-focused, action-oriented web copy within structured website environments, using templates, content models, and standard navigation patterns to drive clarity, usability, and next-step actions.
• Understanding of conversion paths and how different page types (informational, program, landing) support the user journey, with calls to action matched to each.
• Experience working directly in, or within the context of, a CMS such as WordPress or Drupal.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional teams so content and design work together to create a seamless experience.
• Strong command of language and style, with the ability to balance brevity with necessary detail, self-edit with care, and proofread for accuracy.
• Applicants must include a link for an online portfolio that includes 8-12 samples that represent the quality, relevance, creativity and range of applicant’s work.

Nice To Haves

• Experience planning and executing complex, large-scale website redesigns.
• Ability to build and maintain style guides and messaging toolkits that scale across teams.
• Experience implementing comprehensive content strategies and using content matrices for efficient, scalable content production.
• Ability to write and structure content to meet WCAG 2.1 AA across web pages and accessible PDFs.
• Proven ability to navigate complex organizations, align stakeholders, secure decisions, and remove roadblocks to delivery.

Responsibilities

• Translate audience research and performance data into messaging strategy and copy guidance that informs priorities, positioning, and channel decisions.
• Plan and conduct interviews to gather real stories and perspectives that humanize and strengthen marketing messages.
• Source, verify, and integrate quantitative and qualitative proof points (outcomes, data, rankings, testimonials) to substantiate claims and build credibility.
• Distill web strategy and SEO insights into clear, audience-focused page copy aligned to messaging priorities and user intent.
• Serve as the lead writer for uiowa.edu, planning, writing, and maintaining content within the CMS that meets audience needs and advances engagement goals.
• Apply the brand messaging framework to ensure audience-focused copy is aligned to the buyer journey, with clear calls to action that move people to the next step.
• Write clear, persuasive copy across a range of marketing materials, including websites, landing pages, email campaigns, digital ads, videos, and print collateral.
• Collaborate across disciplines to plan and execute integrated marketing efforts that support recruitment, retention, and brand awareness.
• Optimize digital content for search engines (on-page SEO) and accessibility to maximize reach and engagement.
• Develop, refine, and steward the brand’s voice, setting direction for key messaging and hierarchy while tailoring tone and specificity by audience.
• Ensure all written content adheres to the institution's brand guidelines, messaging strategy, and editorial standards.
• Model and coach contributors on you-focused, benefit-first messaging, reinforcing consistent use across deliverables.
• Develop relationships and build trust with campus stakeholders to better communicate the value of our programs and offerings.
• Manage reviews and deadlines, incorporate feedback efficiently, and keep work moving to approval.
• Coach distributed writers and content contributors by providing timely and actionable feedback.
• Lead or participate in trainings and workshops on brand voice, messaging application, web writing patterns, on-page SEO, and/or accessibility.

Benefits

• Regular salaried position. Pay level 5A. Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
• Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies.
• Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists.
• Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.
• Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager